KEEN runners from around South Lakeland took part in the 30th London Marathon on Sunday – while others did alternative runs to raise cash for worthy causes.

Among the 37,000 running enthusiasts in the capital was Jon Webster, from Kendal Athletics Club.

After finishing in three hours 24 minutes, Mr Webster said: “This was my tenth marathon and it never gets easier.”

One dedicated marathon veteran, Roger Millray, 62, of Old Hutton, who was sailing the Mediterranean on a cruise ship to celebrate his ruby wedding, still managed to join in, raising money in aid of a military veterans’ charity by running 26 miles around the decks.

Mr Millray started his 172 laps around the ship at the same time as everybody in London.

Hundreds of people on board cheered him on as he finished the laps in four hours.

A cabin member said: “We were all very impressed with him, he did really well.”

Also participating in an alternative challenge were Ken and Kathy Trimmer, of Cold Keld, Ravenstonedale, who ran a marathon through 16 Upper Eden parishes to raise money for the Kirkby Stephen Mountain and Rescue and Air Ambulance and Upper Eden First Responders.

They didn’t qualify for the national event, so they decided to run the ‘Not the London Marathon’.

Mrs Trimmer said: “It was great fun. Our run involved us running up heights of 2,400 feet whereas the run in London was flat.”

Despite not being an avid runner, Mrs Trimmer said she likes to take part in a marathon every ten years after she made a drunken bet with her sister.

The couple who are both in their 60s raised £1,500.

The two athletes had a few helpers along the way, including granddaughter Morgan Bateman, 3, and Sian Chapman, of Great Asby, who ran with them.